Can I say 'breathalyse' for a drug test?

No, 'breathalyse' specifically refers to an alcohol breath test. For drugs, you would use terms like 'drug test', 'screen for drugs', or use a specific test name (e.g., 'saliva test').

What's the noun form of 'breathalyse'?

The device is a 'breathalyser' (UK) / 'breathalyzer' (US). The act or instance is a 'breath test' or 'breathalyser test'.

Is it a passive or active verb?

It is typically used in the passive voice from the perspective of the person tested ('I was breathalysed') and in the active voice from the perspective of the tester ('The police breathalysed me').

What's the difference between 'breathalyse' and 'give a breath test'?

They are largely synonymous. 'Breathalyse' is more formal and technical, common in official/legal contexts. 'Give a breath test' is slightly more informal and descriptive.

Is “breathalyse” formal?

Breathalyse is usually formal/legal/police in register.

How do you pronounce “breathalyse”?

Breathalyse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.ə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.ə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

breathalyse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈbreθ.ə.laɪz/US/ˈbreθ.ə.laɪz/

Formal/Legal/Police

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “breathalyse” mean?

To test a person's breath, typically using a device, to measure the amount of alcohol in their body.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

To test a person's breath, typically using a device, to measure the amount of alcohol in their body.

To subject someone to a breath test, usually to determine if they are legally fit to drive. By extension, sometimes used metaphorically for any strict or revealing test of condition or compliance.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

The spelling: British English uses 'breathalyse' (verb) and 'breathalyser' (noun). American English uses 'breathalyze' and 'breathalyzer'.

Connotations

Identical in both varieties. Strongly associated with law enforcement and legal consequences.

Frequency

Comparably frequent in both varieties within legal, news, and safety contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “breathalyse” in a Sentence

[Subject: authority] breathalyse [Object: person][Person] was breathalysed by [authority][Person] got breathalysed

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

policeofficerdriversuspectroutinelylegallyfail

medium

refuse toagree tolawrequire toat the scene

weak

randomlyimmediatelyaccidentvehicle

Examples

Examples of “breathalyse” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The officer had grounds to breathalyse the motorist.
You can be breathalysed at any traffic stop.
He refused to be breathalysed and was arrested.

American English

The patrolman decided to breathalyze the driver after noticing the swerve.
If you are involved in a crash, you will likely be breathalyzed.
State law allows police to breathalyze anyone suspected of DUI.

adjective

British English

The breathalyser result was used as evidence.
He faced a mandatory breathalyser test.

American English

The breathalyzer reading was well over the limit.
She was ordered to install a breathalyzer ignition lock in her car.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare, except in corporate driving policies or fleet management: 'The company policy requires managers to breathalyse any employee suspected of drink-driving in a company vehicle.'

Academic

Rare, mostly in legal, criminology, or public health studies: 'The study analysed the legal thresholds used to breathalyse drivers.'

Everyday

Common in news reports and discussions about road safety: 'The police can breathalyse you if they suspect you've been drinking.'

Technical

Specific to forensic science, traffic law, and law enforcement procedures: 'The officer must follow a strict protocol to legally breathalyse a suspect.'

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “breathalyse”

Strong

administer a breath test to

Neutral

test screen

Weak

check

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “breathalyse”

clearpass (a test)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “breathalyse”

Incorrect spelling: 'breathalize', 'brethalise'. Incorrect preposition: 'breathalyse *on* the device' (correct: 'breathalyse someone' or 'breathalyse *with* a device'). Using it intransitively: '*He breathalysed*' (needs an object: 'He was breathalysed' or 'The police breathalysed him').

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, 'breathalyse' specifically refers to an alcohol breath test. For drugs, you would use terms like 'drug test', 'screen for drugs', or use a specific test name (e.g., 'saliva test').
: The device is a 'breathalyser' (UK) / 'breathalyzer' (US). The act or instance is a 'breath test' or 'breathalyser test'.
: It is typically used in the passive voice from the perspective of the person tested ('I was breathalysed') and in the active voice from the perspective of the tester ('The police breathalysed me').
: They are largely synonymous. 'Breathalyse' is more formal and technical, common in official/legal contexts. 'Give a breath test' is slightly more informal and descriptive.
: To test a person's breath, typically using a device, to measure the amount of alcohol in their body.
: Breathalyse is usually formal/legal/police in register.
: Breathalyse: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.ə.laɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbreθ.ə.laɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Over the limit (result of failing a breathalyser test)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of BREATH + ANALYSE. You analyse someone's breath for alcohol.

Conceptual Metaphor

MEASUREMENT IS DETECTION (of guilt/impairment); THE BODY IS A VESSEL (containing measurable substances).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

During the safety campaign, police will any driver they stop after midnight.

Multiple Choice

What is the primary purpose of breathalysing someone?